7:18 PM,
Feb. 25, 2013

Loading Photo Galleries ...

Written by

Nearly 50 years ago, police officers attempted to corral an intoxicated black man at a city block party. An altercation ensued, an angry crowd began to gather, and as dozens became hundreds, bricks started to fly and cars started to topple.

The 1964 Rochester race riots had begun.

Three days later, four people were dead and dozens of shops were destroyed in the area around Joseph Avenue. The damages totaled in the millions, and Rochester had earned the distinction of being the first northern city wherein the National Guard had to be called in to help quell a riot. ...